Portable sign

ABSTRACT

Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity. The portable sign can also be used by law enforcement or government officials to redirect traffic or provide warnings and messages, or by merchants and vendors to aid in information to potential customers and store visitors. The portable sign can also be provided as an accessory to new vehicles.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/617,120 filed 29 Mar. 2012.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a portable sign.

2. Background of the Invention

Numerous lightweight portable signs are available in the market and areof use to motorists (U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,023 to McVey and U.S. Pat. No.6,112,443 to Stubbs; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0031546 by Nwatuand 2008/0189998 by Thistlewaite), and merchants and others (U.S. Pat.No. 6,150,996). There is a need in the art for a lightweight sign forwhich the message can be easily changed to suit the needs of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is drawn to a portable sign whichcan be used to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengersstill on board to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from collidingwith the stalled vehicles.

Another embodiment of the invention is drawn to a portable sign whichcan be used by law enforcement or government officials to redirecttraffic or provide warnings and messages. Included also would be aportable sign usable by merchants and vendors to aid in information topotential customers and store visitors.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a portable sign provided asan accessory to new vehicles.

An emergency communication system and method is provided which includescommunication from the computer components of the sign to a remotecommunication center or with emergency response vehicles and/orinformation agencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a left-front perspective view of a portable sign of theinvention in an open configuration.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a portable sign of the invention in aclosed configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a portable sign of the invention in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 4 shows the portable sign of the invention from the front view.

FIG. 5 shows a different embodiment of the invention from a right frontperspective view in an open configuration.

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 in an alternative openconfiguration.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the portable sign of FIG. 5 in a closedconfiguration.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the opening of the portable sign of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the closing of the portable sign of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the portable sign of FIG. 5 in a fully-openconfiguration.

FIG. 11 shows a side view an alternative embodiment of the portable signin a closed position.

FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of the portable sign of FIG. 11in a closed position.

FIG. 13 shows the sign in use with a motor vehicle.

FIG. 14 shows the sign in use at a construction site.

FIG. 15 shows the sign in use at a retail establishment.

FIG. 16 illustrates an emergency communication system supplied with thesign of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows the communication components and capabilities of theportable sign of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is drawn to a portable sign which can be used toprotect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on boardto prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalledvehicles. Such a sign could also be used to summon medical services, orto inform motorists of dangers ahead such as broken sharp objects in theroadway or an accident. The portable sign of the invention can be usedby law enforcement, construction crews and/or government officials toredirect traffic or provide warnings or messages. The portable signcould optionally be provided as an accessory to new vehicles. It isenvisioned that the sign can be used in government-issued vehicles, suchas emergency response vehicles or police cars for use in accidents orother public events where signage would facilitate emergency ornon-emergency government-essential information to motorists or thepublic.

Also included would be a portable sign usable by merchants and vendorsto aid in information to potential customers and store visitors. Such asign could be easily moved and/or positioned in such a way as tomaximize exposure of the sign and its message as necessary. Optionally,the sign could have an audio function. The sign can be linked toinventory-control software to automatically change the message accordingto how merchandise is moving. The linkage to the sign of the inventioncan be wireless or hard-wired. Alternatively, the message on the signcan be changed manually by a store employee or owner to display adesired message. The sign can be programmed to also say a message, playmusic or reproduce an advertising message. The portable nature of thesign allows it to be positioned in different areas or to be carried to alocation away from the store for additional advertising exposure. Thesign of the invention is also useful for travelling vendors such as foruse by crafters at craft shows, farm market vendors, street vendors,flea market vendors, garage sales, and the like.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a portable sign provided asan accessory to new vehicles. The sign can be included as a factoryinstalled device that has its electronic and control componentsintegrated into a vehicle or it can be a dealer-installed feature whichis partially integrated into a vehicle prior to sale and/or delivery tothe customer. Alternatively, the sign system can be installed post saleby a mechanic or authorized installer.

An emergency communication system and method is provided which includescommunication from the computer components of the sign to a remotecommunication center or with emergency response vehicles and/orinformation agencies. The sign system would include communicationssoftware and hardware included with the sign, along with a transmittercapable of transmitting a signal to a remote location. The sign wouldthen be capable of transmitting a message either directly to emergencyresponse entities or to a central communications center which couldrelay the message to emergency response entities. The communicationcould also take place with an entity which can provide further motoristassistance information, such as information about an accident locationor construction to overhead highway signs, smart phone applications, GPSservices, to radio traffic reporting entities and the like. A beacon canalso be installed that would alert a driver if the sign is removed froma pre-set distance from the driver or vehicle, such as if the driverforgets to collect the sign and drives away, or if the sign is stolen. Aremote communication device could be carried on a key fob, be located inthe vehicle or be located inside a retail establishment to alert aperson to the location of the sign.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable sign of the invention 100, withthe unit in an open position. The front and left-side perspective of thesign includes an outer casing or frame housing 110 within which adisplay screen 120 is positioned. The outer casing 110 is made of aplastic, metal, composite, or other appropriately rigid and lightweightmaterial. A rear section 112 is attached by hinges 114 to the frontframe housing 110. The rear section 112 is made of foam board, aluminum,plastic or any other light and durable material. Ideally, the materialsfor both the front 110 and rear 112 portions of the portable sign unitare composed of a static-free or static-reducing material in order toprotect any onboard electronics. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, aprotective cover 124 is provided to protect the screen. The protectivecover 124 could slide onto the unit as shown or alternatively, snap,clip, or be permanently affixed to the sign unit. Control buttons 122are optionally provided for unit power, screen contrast, display powerand the like.

The invention also includes circuitry, a power source, a signalprocessor/transmission device and a computer microprocessor unit, CPU,computer processing chip or the like, which is programmable withcomputer code to control the unit for its intended use. Optionallyincluded would either be a dimmer dial, dimmer sensor or the like, tobrighten or dim the screen. Alternatively or in combination, controlbuttons can be provided via a touch screen on the display. One or moreSD, USB or similar ports 116 are provided for external memory downloadto the unit either alone or in combination. Internal memory is providedvia a hard drive, RAM or other such device. A recharge port 118 isprovided in order to charge an internal battery 340. The charge could beprovided through a standard building-mounted electrical outlet, oralternatively, from a vehicle outlet, or both. Adapters and transformerscan be provided with the unit to allow for alternative power options.Alternatively, the sign may include solar panel units 360 to provideelectric free and continuing power to the unit when used outdoors. Akeyboard 140 can be connected to the portable sign via a cable 142 whichconnects through a USB or similar port 116, or communicates wirelesslywith the portable sign unit. Optionally included would be communicationwith the sign through a smart phone application, iPAD or similar tabletdevice. A handle 130 allows ease of transport in carrying the portablesign.

The portable sign unit 100 may have a circuit for over-the-air digitalor analog signals receipt. The portable sign unit 100 may or may nothave one or more sources of sound such as speakers. The device may haveone or more microphones or sound recording components. The device mayoptionally have flash memory, or other built-in memory locations to savefiles, and music. The device may have a port for interfacing with a PCor other external device. The device has a port 116 for external datacards such as SD cards to interface. A memory device is optionallyincluded in the sign device. Such a memory device includes an SD card, amini-SD card, a micro-SD card, a computer chip, or a combinationthereof. The device has circuitry for interfacing wirelessly with remoteor local devices and can communicate wirelessly with one or more devicesthrough a wireless signal. The wireless communication can beaccomplished through any known personal area network protocol such asinfrared (IR) or BLUETOOTH, or through Wi-Fi, radio frequency (“RF”), acombination thereof, or the like. Alternatively, the device could have aUSB or similar communication access useful for downloading additionalprogramming or information. The sign unit also optionally includesspeakers and a microphone. The sign unit may have a circuit forover-the-air digital or analog signals reception.

Onboard circuitry may contain any or all of the necessary components toperform as intended. Proper grounding as known in the art is included.All of the contained circuitry may be connected to the display interfaceand produces the images necessary for human understanding of the displayscreen.

The display screen 120 is capable of providing outputs of informationprovided from any sign-based source, and/or from attached or remotedevices. The display may be a touch sensitive screen. The display screen120 may be LED, plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD). Such screen maybe a liquid crystal display (LCD), including, but not limited to,passive or active matrix LCD; thin field transistor LCD; active matrixLCD, such as blue phase, vertical alignment, advanced fringe fieldswitching, in plane switching or twisted nematic; zero-power (bistable)LCD such as ferro liquid display, cholersteric liquid display, zenithalbistable device; or a combination thereof. Optional function buttons 122each have separate functions and may be push buttons, toggle switches,and the like, for on/off, brighter screen, volume control and so forthor the same functions may be accomplished through the use of a touchscreen. The sign may be a composite of one or more of the listed screentypes. The sign may have screens on both sides 110 and 112 of the unit.It is understood that the function buttons 122 may be located in anylocation deemed to be both easily accessible to the user and optimalduring manufacturing. The screen may have a color or monochrome display.The screen may be lit by an external light or by a backlit display.

FIG. 2 illustrates the portable sign 100 in a closed configuration. Inone embodiment, the portable sign can be easily removed from a storagearea of a vehicle and deployed where needed, such as adjacent to adisabled vehicle or near a vehicle with a passenger in need ofassistance. Storage inside the unit can include a keyboard 140, storage,cables, stakes or other means to secure the unit to the ground toprotect against wind, and the like. A side view of the invention isshown in FIG. 3, wherein the sign unit is open.

A front view of the unit 100 is shown in FIG. 4. The handle 130 may bemade of any appropriate material such as metal, plastic, leather, wovenmaterial, and the like or any combination thereof. The handle can bepermanently affixed or attached by VELCRO, buttons, snaps or the like. Ashoulder strap is also optionally available and attached to the sides ofthe unit 100 via commonly known means such as loops, permanentattachment means, snaps, VELCRO and the like. A cover to protect thedisplay screen 124 is provided. Optionally, the screen 120 can be storedfacing the inside of the unit 100 and flipped to face the outside whenin use. An additional optional embodiment is that the transparent cover124 is made of a plastic or polymer such as, but not limited to LEXAN,polyethylene polymer, PLEXIGLASS, acrylic, and the like. Anotheroptional embodiment provides for the screen 120 to be folded inside theunit 100 and the outer housing 110 being hinged to open such that thescreen faces outward in use. The size of the unit can vary but must beof a size that both allows for easy viewing from a distance, but alsoallows for the unit to be portable. A unit to be used in a vehicle wouldneed to fit into standard storage compartments, such as an automobiletrunk. Waterproofing of the case 110 and 112, using waterproof materialsis desirable for outdoor use. Waterproof materials, such as GORETEX,rubber, neoprene, plastics, and the like, or any combination thereof canbe used. The electronic components are also protected from the elementsand from water damage.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the sign unit of the invention 200,wherein the back cover 112 is hingably attached 214 a to the front cover110 and a third member 213 is attached via a second hinge 214 b to thefront cover. The third member 213 can be used to support the sign 200while open and can be fastened by a clasp fastener 216 to the backmember 112 by insertion into a fastener port 217, present on the backmember 112 for added rigidity and support. Other fasteners areenvisioned which can accomplish the same function, such as snaps,interlocking members, locking hinges, or the like. FIG. 6 additionallyshows that the third member 213 can be folded behind and parallel to thefront member 110 for flexibility in use. The third member 213 can befastened via a clasp fastener 218 to the front member 110, oralternatively, other fasteners are envisioned which can accomplish thesame function, such as snaps, interlocking members, locking hinges, orthe like. The message on the sign can be changed by the user, either byinput through a keyboard 140, through a smart phone application, throughan audio voice recognition command, through a set of pre-programmeddisplays, or a combination thereof. The messages may be transmittedwirelessly or through a USB device connected via a USB or similar port118. The keyboard 140 can be stored within the case in a slot or creviceprovided for such storage. It is understood that the port 118 may bepositioned in any location deemed to be both easily accessible to theuser and optimal during manufacturing.

FIGS. 7 through 10 are side views of the embodiments of the sign unit200, showing the various positions of the front member 110, back member112 and the third member 213 in relation to each other while closed(FIG. 7), opening (FIG. 8), setting up the sign for use (FIG. 9) and anembodiment where the third member 213 is parallel to the ground surface(FIG. 10). FIGS. 11 and 12 displays an alternative embodiment having ahandle 230 attached for ease of transport.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate some embodiments of the invention in use. FIG. 13shows the sign in use with an automobile. FIG. 14 shows the sign in useat a construction site, and FIG. 15 shows the sign in use at a retaillocation. The sign while in use at any of the displayed locations mayhave a communications capability and components installed that willallow for remote communications as described herein. The locations anduses are for illustrative purposes and the uses of the invention are notlimited to those shown herein. The messages on the sign can be modifiedas described above.

FIG. 16 illustrates an emergency communications system and method of theinvention. The communications components of the sign of the inventiontransmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct thecommunication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity, suchas AAA, for example. Additionally, an embodiment whereby the sign systemand communications components as illustrated in FIG. 16 is integratedinto a mass transportation vehicle, in particular a school bus or van isalso included in the invention. FIG. 16 illustrates a non-limited set ofembodiments of the system and method of the invention in use with a towvehicle, police car, hospital, road side assistance server, and thelike.

FIG. 17 is a schematic of the communications capabilities and componentsof the invention. The electronic system architecture for the sign system100 of the invention includes a commercial off-the-shelf (“COTS”)display 120, based on a high-brightness, sunlight-readable LED matrix,LCD screen, OLED screen, or similar, used to convey the message tooncoming traffic by displaying several key indicators such as arrows,warning signs, or flashing notifications, for example. The inventionalso includes a driver board 310 or unit for driving the LED matrix orsimilar display, which can include switching or power transistors, fieldeffects transistors (“FETs”), drive circuits, or similar, to supply thenecessary higher currents to drive the display. Also included is alow-cost COTS radio receiver 330 and accompanying transmitter or a keyfob 320, based on an industrial, scientific and medical (“ISM”) bandmodem, on-off key shifting (“OOK”), frequency key-shifting (“FSK”)transceiver, or similar modulation means is used to remotely trigger theon/off state of the unit, as well as to cycle through variouspre-programmed indications as available in the sign. A COTS battery pack340, of lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, or similar rechargeable chemistry,and any associated battery management circuits for providing power tothe unit. A controller board 350, based on a microcontroller,microprocessor, or similar, to generate signals for driving the display,managing the radio functions and communication, and controlling thebattery management system are also included. A key fob 320 or otherportable device is also provided so the user has control of the wirelesscommunication system of the sign unit while away from the sign. The fobsystem 320 is particularly useful for someone who is injured and awayfrom the vehicle. Also included is a remote keyboard inside a vehicle,so that a user can program the sign safely inside the vehicle without aneed to stand alongside of the road typing in information. The inventionalso includes an alarm that would sound if the fob or an onboard sensorwere separated from the sign to prevent a driver from forgetting andleaving the sign behind, or to prevent theft of the sign.

Adding additional functionality to allow for custom indication on thedisplay is additionally included. The sign system allows for theexchange of data communication over the wireless link, which may be anextended feature of the originally utilized wireless modem withadditional interfacing. The interface requires the use of a remotekeyboard or software that allows the user to custom design signage.Adding additional power features such as solar charging is also includedand comprises the incorporating additional power management circuitryand a COTS solar panel 360 or similar means to power the unit. Addingadditional wireless features such as BLUETOOTH 370, which includesrevising or adding a COTS BLUETOOTH modem or module and developingsimple software to allow this control interface functionality via asmartphone application, for instance.

Adding additional wireless features such as mobile network services,comprising revising or adding a COTS cellular modem or module 370, suchas general packet radio service (“GPRS”), enhanced data GSM environment(“EDGE”), long term evolution (“LTE”) or similar, and coordinating withnetwork providers to allow the registration of devices on the network,as well as to arrange for a subscription-based access to the network forthe exchange of data is also included. GPRS also complements Bluetooth,a standard for replacing wired connections between devices with wirelessradio connections. In addition to the internet protocol (“IP”), GPRSsupports X.25, a packet-based protocol that is used mainly in Europe,and is also included in the invention. GPRS is a step toward an enhanceddata GSM environment and universal mobile telephone service (“UMTS”),all of which are included in the invention. A light beacon, 380 is alsoincluded on the sign for additional visual emergency indicator. Thefeatures of the invention can be executed with the addition of themobile network capability and coordination with chosen assistancecompanies.

A method of mobile applications that allows the user to remotely controlthe unit is included in the invention. The steps of the method includeproviding software applications communications components of the sign ofthe invention which transmits a signal to a communications center, whichthen can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadsideassistance entity, such as AAA, for example as shown in FIG. 16. Themethod of the invention includes a non-limited set of embodiments of theinvention in use with a tow vehicle, police car, hospital, road sideassistance server, and the like. The method includes the use of a keyfob or other portable device so the user has control of the wirelesscommunication system of the sign unit while away from the sign. The fobsystem is particularly useful for someone who is injured and away fromthe vehicle. Also included is the use of a remote keyboard inside avehicle, so that a user can program the sign safely inside the vehiclewithout a need to stand alongside of the road typing in information. Theinvention also includes the use of an alarm that would sound if the fobor an onboard sensor were separated from the sign to prevent a driverfrom forgetting and leaving the sign behind, or to prevent theft of thesign.

FIG. 17 illustrates the method of the communications capabilities andcomponents of the invention. The method includes the use of anelectronic system architecture for the sign system 100 of the invention,which includes a COTS display 120, based on a high-brightness,sunlight-readable LED matrix, LCD screen, OLED screen, or similar, usedto convey the message to oncoming traffic by displaying several keyindicators such as arrows, warning signs, or flashing notifications, forexample. The invention also includes the use of a driver board 310 orunit for driving the LED matrix or similar display, which can includeswitching or power transistors, FETs, drive circuits, or similar, tosupply the necessary higher currents to drive the display. The methodalso includes the use of a low-cost COTS radio receiver 330 andaccompanying transmitter or a key fob 320, based on an ISM band modem,OOK, FSK transceiver, or similar modulation means is used to remotelytrigger the on/off state of the unit, as well as to cycle throughvarious pre-programmed indications as available in the sign. The methodincludes the use of a COTS battery pack 340, of lithium-ion,lithium-polymer, or similar rechargeable chemistry, and any associatedbattery management circuits for providing power to the unit. The methodincludes the use of a controller board 350, based on a microcontroller,microprocessor, or similar, to generate signals for driving the display,managing the radio functions and communication, and controlling thebattery management system are also included.

Adding additional functionality to allow for custom indication on thedisplay is additionally included. The sign system methods allows for theuser to input information that leads to the exchange of datacommunication over a wireless link, which may be an extended feature ofthe originally utilized wireless modem with additional interfacing. Theuse of the interface requires the use of a remote keyboard or softwarethat allows the user to custom design the sign message. The methodrequires additional power features, such as solar charging incorporatesadditional power management circuitry and a COTS solar panel 360 orsimilar means to power the unit. Adding additional wireless featuressuch as BLUETOOTH, which includes revising or adding a COTS BLUETOOTHmodem or module and developing simple software to allow the user tocontrol the interface functionality via a smartphone application, forinstance.

Adding additional wireless features such as mobile network services,comprising revising or adding a COTS cellular modem or module 370, suchas GPRS, EDGE, LTE or similar, and coordinating with network providersto allow the registration of devices on the network, as well as for theuser to arrange for a subscription-based access to the network for theexchange of data is also included. The method also includes GPRS, whichalso complements BLUETOOTH, a standard for replacing wired connectionsbetween devices with wireless radio connections. The position of theuser can be further accomplished by the activation of a light beacon,380 for additional emergency signaling. The features of the method canbe executed with the addition of the mobile network capability andcoordination with chosen assistance companies.

Having now fully described this invention, it will be understood tothose of ordinary skill in the art that the same can be performed withina wide and equivalent range of conditions, formulations, and otherparameters without affecting the scope of the invention or anyembodiment thereof. All patents and publications cited herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

I claim:
 1. A portable sign unit comprising: a. electronic componentscomprising: circuitry, a power source, a signal processor/transmissiondevice, one or more memory storage devices, and a computermicroprocessor unit which is programmable with computer code to controlthe portable unit; b. one or more SD, USB or similar ports for externalmemory download to the portable sign unit, alone or in combination; c.internal memory; d. a recharge port, charger and an internal battery; e.a display screen, capable of providing outputs of information providedfrom a sign-based source, an attached device or a remote communicationdevice, the display screen being positioned within a casing of theportable sign unit and being visible through an opening in the casing ona front portion of the portable sign unit; f. a cover to protect thedisplay screen; g. waterproofing materials selected from a groupconsisting of GORETEX, rubber, neoprene, plastics, and any combinationthereto; h. a communications component capable of receiving signals froma remote communication device, wherein the signals are transmittedwirelessly through BLUETOOTH, wireless transmitter, infrared, WiFi, or aradio frequency device; or alternatively, the signals are receivedthrough a USB device, direct input through a keyboard, touch screen,laptop, tablet computing device, from a preprogrammed display from theone or more memory storage devices; or from a mobile network service; i.wherein the portable sign unit is foldable and fits into a standardvehicle storage compartment; j. wherein the portable sign unit can beeasily removed from a storage area of a vehicle, carried easily by oneperson and be deployed where desired by a user; k. a storage area withinthe casing of the portable sign unit for storage of a keyboard; whereina size of the display screen of the portable sign unit is capable ofbeing viewed from a distance; and wherein a beacon on the portable signunit provides information to a vehicle driver that the portable signunit is removed from a pre-set distance from the vehicle or the vehicledriver.
 2. The portable sign unit of claim 1, wherein the portable signunit is powered by a solar power unit.
 3. The portable sign unit ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one item selected from a group ofitems consisting of a speaker and a microphone.
 4. The portable signunit of claim 1, wherein the display screen is hingably-connected to asupport member for support during use.
 5. The portable sign unit ofclaim 4, wherein a second display screen is located on a rear portion ofthe portable sign unit.